Identifying causes of balance impairment and exploring sensory contributions to balance in pediatric oncology: A scoping review

Purpose

To identify causes of balance impairment in children undergoing treatment for cancer and childhood cancer survivors.

Methods

A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if participants were 0–19 years of age with a current/past diagnosis of cancer, an objective balance measure was reported, and a cause of balance impairment was either stated or implied.

Results

The 64 full text studies included identified balance impairments as sequelae secondary to CNS tumors, and/or as an effect of medical treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. Cancer treatment can result in damage to the visual, vestibular and/or somatosensory systems which in turn can contribute to balance dysfunction.

Conclusions

Balance impairments were caused by the cancer itself or the result of medical treatment. Oncology professionals are integral in recognition and treatment of factors affecting balance impairments in childhood cancer; however, further research is needed to identify interventions targeting specific causes of balance impairment.